Plai Essential Oil Benefits & Uses Versus Ginger

By Caryn Gelmann, Clincial Aromatherapist

Have you heard of Plai essential oil? It has a lot in common with Ginger essential oil but there are a few key differences. Research shows it’s well worth getting to know Plai essential oil benefits and uses!

Plai and Ginger come from the same family, the Zingiberaceae family. Let’s call them cousins…

They are both steam distilled from the roots to create the precious essential oil. When it comes to their scent profiles they are similar. Most of us are familiar with the scent of Ginger… Ginger is a common flavor in baking and cooking for many. Plai is also pleasantly spicy and woody but with slightly more pungent and peppery characteristics. Some find the top notes of Plai remind them of Tea Tree essential oil. However, Plai is not quite as intense so it can be a nice alternative for people who find Tea Tree too strong. When it comes to aromatherapy blending, both Ginger and Plai essential oils blend well with oils in the citrus, floral, mint, wood, and spice families.

If you want to learn more about how to blend essential oils, make sure to download e3’s free workbook, The Art & Science of Blending Essential Oils.

One interesting difference between Ginger and Plai is that Ginger is warming and stimulating, while Plai has more of a cooling effect on tired, sore muscles. Plai, which is native to Thailand, Indonesia, and India, has been used in traditional Thai massage to address joint and muscle problems. In fact, Plai is often referred to as Thai Ginger.

So while Ginger has strong anti-spasmodic and analgesic properties for sore muscles and joints Plai is even more potent. Many find Plai to have particularly strong pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.

Plai Essential Oil Benefits & Uses  vs. Ginger Essential Oil Benefits & Uses

Ginger physical uses: Poor circulation, feeling cold, infections, muscle aches, muscle spasms, menstrual cramps, stiff joints, indigestion, nausea, respiratory congestion, bronchitis.

Plai physical uses: Muscle and joint aches, nerve pain, inflammation, infections (bacterial), muscle spasms, menstrual cramps, respiratory congestion, fevers, indigestion, irritated bowels, poor circulation, constipation, diarrhea, nausea.

Ginger skin care uses: Not recommended for skin care use. (We define skin care as a condition that affects the surface of the skin.)

Plai skin care uses: Bruises, blemishes, minor skin infections (bacterial), inflammation, insect bites.

Ginger psychological uses: Nervous exhaustion, mental fatigue, mental fog, emotional coolness, emotional instability, low libido.

Plai psychological uses: Nervousness, anxiety, anger.

Ginger subtle uses: Generally strengthens and stabilizes. Promotes confidence and courage.

Plai subtle uses: Supports creative thinking. Promotes appreciation.

Notes: For both essential oils we recommend a 1-5% dilution and avoid use during pregnancy and nursing.

3 Application Methods that Work for Both Plai and Ginger Essential Oils 

Bath, Foot

Mix 1-3 drops of essential oil in 1/2 teaspoon of carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil. Set aside. Fill a tub (deep enough to cover your feet and ankles) with warm water. Add the essential oil mixture, stir well, and immerse your feet for 10-15 minutes. Breathe in the aroma and massage your feet.

Chest Rub

Mix 5-15 drops of essential oil in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil or fragrance-free, natural lotion, apply to your upper chest and upper back.

Spot Application

Mix 1-4 drops of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil or aloe vera and apply to the area in need.

Find even more application methods on our Ginger and Plai product pages.

If you want to use Plai for immune support, you may want to check out e3’s Immune blend. Tummy troubles? e3’s Nausea Relief uses Ginger in the blend to help settle your stomach. You can also find Ginger in our Lymphatic Support blend. And if you want to try making your own blend, don’t forget to download your free workbook, we walk you through all the steps!

Ginger image: Photo by sentot setyasiswanto